How to Schedule an IRS Appointment Online

The IRS Online Appointment System

You can schedule an in-person appointment at an IRS office through the IRS website without calling. The system is called IRS Online Appointment Scheduling, and it lets you pick a date, time, and location that works for you. You do not need to create an account or log in — you can book directly as a guest.

The appointments available depend on what you need. Common reasons include discussing a tax notice, getting help with a return you filed, resolving an identity theft issue, or discussing a payment plan. Not every service is available at every location, so the system will show you which offices near you can handle your specific issue.

Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially during tax season. If no times appear for your location, check a nearby office or look again in a few days — cancellations open up regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Go to irs.gov/appointments and select your issue type to see available times at nearby IRS offices.
• You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, the tax year in question, and a phone number where the IRS can reach you.
• Bring photo ID and any documents related to your issue — tax notices, prior returns, or correspondence from the IRS.
• If no appointments show for your location, try offices in neighboring cities or check back in a few days for cancellations.
• The appointment confirmation email contains a code you will need at check-in; save or print it before you go.

Step-by-Step: Booking Your Appointment

Start at irs.gov/appointments. The page will ask you to select the reason for your visit from a dropdown menu. Choose the option that matches your situation most closely — for example, "Discuss a tax notice" or "Discuss a payment plan." The IRS uses your selection to show you which offices can help and what times are open.

Next, enter your ZIP code or city name. The system will display IRS offices within a reasonable distance, ranked by proximity. Select the office you prefer. If that office has no openings, try the next one on the list — sometimes a 20-minute drive yields several available slots.

You will then enter your Social Security number or ITIN, the tax year you need to discuss, and a phone number where you can be reached. Double-check these details before moving forward. The IRS uses the phone number to confirm your appointment or reschedule if needed.

Select your preferred date and time from the calendar. The system shows only times that are actually open. Once you confirm, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique appointment code. This code is your proof of the appointment — you will need it when you arrive.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The IRS will not let you in without it, even if you have the confirmation email.

Bring any documents related to your issue. If you are discussing a tax notice, bring the notice itself. If you are working on a payment plan, bring recent pay stubs and bank statements. If the appointment is about a prior return, bring a copy of that return if you have one. The IRS representative will tell you what else they need once you explain your situation, but having documents in hand speeds things up.

If someone else is attending on your behalf — a spouse, family member, or tax professional — they must bring a power of attorney form (Form 2848) signed by you. Without it, the IRS will not discuss your case with them.

What Happens During Your Appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk with your photo ID and the appointment code from your confirmation email. You will be called when the representative is ready.

The representative will review your issue, ask questions, and explain your options. If you are there about a notice, they will walk you through what it means and what you owe. If you are setting up a payment plan, they will discuss what you can afford and what terms are available. If the issue is complex or requires research, they may ask you to come back or may contact you by phone later.

Ask questions if something is unclear. The representative's job is to help you understand what is happening and what comes next. Take notes or ask for written summaries of any agreements you make.

If You Cannot Find an Available Appointment

During busy periods — especially March through May — online appointments fill quickly. If your preferred office shows no openings, try these steps.

Check offices in neighboring cities or counties. An appointment 30 minutes away is often easier to find than one in a major city. The IRS Online Appointment system shows you multiple locations, so scroll through the list.

Check back every few days. Cancellations happen regularly, and new slots open as the IRS schedules staff. Set a reminder to check again in three or four days.

If you need help urgently, you can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. The phone line is slower than online booking, but representatives can sometimes find appointments that do not appear on the website or discuss whether your issue can be handled by phone instead.

Rescheduling or Canceling Your Appointment

If you need to change your appointment, go back to irs.gov/appointments and select "Reschedule an Appointment." You will enter your appointment code (from your confirmation email) and your Social Security number. The system will let you pick a new date and time.

If you need to cancel instead, you can reschedule to a date far in the future and then simply not attend, or you can call 1-800-829-1040 to cancel directly. Canceling frees up the slot for someone else and prevents the IRS from trying to reach you about a missed appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

No, the person whose Social Security number is used must be the one scheduling. If you are scheduling for a family member or client, they need to go to irs.gov/appointments themselves, or you can use their information with their permission. If a representative or family member will attend on their behalf, that person must bring a signed power of attorney form (Form 2848).

What if I do not have an email address to receive the confirmation?

You will need an email address to complete the booking. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook in a few minutes. Write down your confirmation code when the system displays it — you can use that code at check-in even if you lose the email.

Can I do this over the phone instead of going in person?

Some issues can be handled by phone. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain your situation. If the representative thinks a phone call will work, they can help you that way. If you need an in-person appointment, they can tell you that too.

What if I miss my appointment?

The IRS may try to reach you at the phone number you provided. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you will need to reschedule through the online system or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Missing an appointment does not affect your case, but it delays resolution.

Is there a fee to schedule an appointment online?

No. Scheduling through irs.gov/appointments is free. The IRS does not charge for appointments or for the time spent with a representative.